Garden Inspiration Required

shenk1 · #1 (**permalink**) 21-01-2010, 08:09 PM

Having read Gaz9977 s thread My Garden it has urged me to try and improve my garden this year. As you will see in the photos we don't have much space in one area as it is split into 3 ; triangular back garden approx 30ft x 20ft ;small front garden (not shown as it is not worth doing much) ;and larger 50ft x 30ft side garden with lawn to the front and mixed (small) shrubbery to the side of the garage.To the side of this is the farmers track and behind the hawthorns is an old disused canal ,woodland and fields.We do get a very lot of different birds in the garden but feel it can improve.One thing I would like is a small pond but siting is awkward as the back is in shade a lot of the time and the shape is odd and the front is open to the road .Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Jason Green · #2 (**permalink**) 21-01-2010, 08:41 PM

Hi Shenk,

Well, you already have a nice-looking canvas to work with! I suppose the first question would be what area of Natural History you're most interested in; Birds, invertebrates, wildflowers, etc. Given your location and siting you already stand a chance of getting interesting species visiting - insects from interesting surrounding habitats, and setting seed I should think.

Two things spring to mind - a Honeysuckle bush to provide nectar for insects, fruit for mammals and birds and for the latter too, a roosting site for when it thickens and matures. Next I would think about a logpile. Make it with a range of tree species if you can, and of varying sizes - in your sheltered area if possible, as the species that will use it prefer shelter and cool temperatures. This will retain life when all the larger insects and plants have died off after summer! It will also afford a hibernation/hunting site for mammals and, if your area has them, even Slow-worms and snakes! Fungi will pop-up frequently too. Lastly if you have a plain area of grass that you aren't too bothered with; dig it up a bit, rake it over - and wait. You may get Robins and Wagtails picking over the disturbed insects, and awaken dormant wildflower seeds that may spring back into life!

I hope this is helpful

Take care,

Jason

Gaz9977 · #3 (**permalink**) 21-01-2010, 09:56 PM

Hey Shenk
I have to say your garden looks amazing already,i know your gonna have plenty of wildlife coming to your garden,with all the surrounding fields.
Looks like you have the perfect place to put a 2 tiered pond,in the corner by the wooden edgeing,my pond is shaded and in the sun as the day progresses,and everything is fine,also hawthorn hedging in your front garden would be a good idea,flowers in spring for bee's and other insects,then berries for the birds in the winter!.....good luck and keep me posted

artdemole · #4 (**permalink**) 22-01-2010, 09:46 AM

Nice enough garden,wish i had a canal by mien instead of down in the valley we have the scc canal disused nearby.TRY A SMALL prefabricated pond or liner shade stops the algae, frogs and dragonfly will soon visit>so will the birds. Plant small shrubs and rockery plants.Will make it all look great...psj n.e.somerset

shenk1 · #5 (**permalink**) 22-01-2010, 05:00 PM

Thanks for your replies.
Generally we get a good variety of wildlife visiting , particularly birds,toads (hundreds pass through each summer and I have to collect them before mowing then release them !),and insects but would like more of what I would term passing trade to make the garden their home.
We have started a woodpile and will now definitely look for different woods to add to it.Some of the climbers are honeysuckle others are ivy and clematis but is there a domestic ivy that produces berries?
I will look at having a pond in the raised corner at the back as that would allow us to see it from the window.Hopefully the missus can be persuaded!

If we had a pond at the front could any problems occur with people saying kids could fall in ,bearing in mind its my garden and they shouldn't be in it and an unprotected canal is across the road.

Will have a look around the garden centres this weekend if the weather is ok and scout out ponds.
Again thanks!!! shenk1

shenk1 · #6 (**permalink**) 22-01-2010, 05:06 PM

I forgot to add we would like a tree!
We have a hazel next to the fence at the back which I intend to cut back periodically so it doesn't get too big but would like one at the front.
Taking into account the size of garden/proximity to the house and garage can any suggestions be made?
Thanks

Jez · #7 (**permalink**) 22-01-2010, 05:44 PM

I've been looking keenly at your very attractive garden Shenk1 but have to admit I've been holding back on a reply as I presumed my vision too much as an improvement but glad you have now asked what i was mulling over which was pond in your triangular garden aswell as a tree or two! Thinking in mind that some height from irises may just hide the pond from passers by and a small tree also giving less of a clue but not giving too much shade to a pond making it stagnant and lifeless! There are a good wildlife small trees worth having like Rowan for example. Picking the best situ considering the light and shade and also including a pond is something now we can now consider to achieve the best results! I have to go, in the meantime theres something for you and other members to deliberate upon.

caernerch · #8 (**permalink**) 22-01-2010, 06:11 PM

stagnant only means a water feature that has a different type of wildlife and a shaded pond is better than none at all. a pond that has algae is a great place for daphnia, hydra, caddis and damsel flies.
there are many different types of dwarf trees available from good garden centres or nurserymen nowadays. I don't know whereabouts you live but have a look at Morrey's of Kelsall website - they specialise in growing their own eg. rhododendrons from 6" - 6ft. I have a dwarf willow which is only 4" high but spreads 3 ft. you can even get daffodils that are 3" high and irises of 6" .
regards
caernerch

Gaz9977 · #9 (**permalink**) 22-01-2010, 06:46 PM

Hedera helix produces berries(common ivy)...tree's id go for,crab apple,Bird Cherry Tree,Red Berried Cotoneaster,Sorbus aucuparia,Elderberry.

bugly's · #10 (**permalink**) 22-01-2010, 06:59 PM

From the pictures you have a low value area with a huge potential due to the surroundings, I can only give outlines here, but please feel free to contact me if you want something more detailed and specific but I would need a postcode so I can google map it and see the layout etc. The problem with general advice is it does not take into account the person, what you like, abilities, do, need etc.
The garden is superbly placed as a feeding station rather than habitat, with the surroundings a rich biodiversity will be passing. The garden is very well presented and has been well looked after, from the pictures it looks like you like to keep circulation areas tidy and open. If this is right, I suggest you go for border planting of open type (daisy type heads) flowers backed with honeysuckle. Mix these with known insect attracters in bush form, lavender, buddleia. You are looking to produce nectar for as long in the season as you can, you do not need masses of plants just carefully selected ones. I can't work out the south facing aspect in relation to the house, but try to keep as much light as you can, and plant into the sunny parts. I can see a tree but not make out the species but is there a telephone wire behind it? might need to watch that. Trees above the fence line act as staging posts to bring birds in, but be careful about planting more, avoid the extra shade. A pond is good but the location would depend on the surroundings, animals migrate from one pond to another and like rough areas to shelter in around it. Semi shade is not a problem for a pond. I could go on and on but probably sent you to sleep already!
Remember the garden is a part of its surroundings and not in isolation, wildlife gardens do not have to be wild in appearance.